Jasper County Council candidate says Facebook post not racist

Jasper County Council candidate Samuel Gregory said a post on his Facebook page is not racist, but some county residents believe his comments are offensive.

The post, which was uploaded to his personal page at 11:36 p.m., Monday begins by informing residents about his candidacy and urging them to vote for him June 10.

Gregory is running against incumbent Marty Sauls for the council’s Coosawhatchie Township seat.

He went on to write, “If you want someone who will get the help needed to solve unsolved murders...is dedicated to our (black) needs in general, then vote for me on June 10.”

Gregory said in the post that black residents must remember to be a “PROUD people and become future role models for OUR children AND NOT LET OTHERS OF A DIFFERENT RACE raise not dictate how our children should act nor how they should be!”

Gregory finished his Facebook post by restating the date for primary elections in June and to “take back the TRUE AND PROUD meaning of being BLACK.”

Contacted on Wednesday morning, Gregory said he doesn’t believe his post was offensive.

“I didn’t make any racist statements,” Gregory said. “If anyone was offended by my comments I would like for them to prove me wrong.”

He said voters could prove him wrong by electing a black candidate, even if it is not him.

Theo Drayton and Barbara Clark, who are black, serve on County Council. Clark is the board chair.

When asked about other black council members, Gregory said that was off topic.

“We’re not talking about (Drayton), we’re talking about me,” Gregory said. “I’ve been there. One person can’t do anything, they’re just a voice. When it comes down to a vote, (white council members) all stick together.”

Gregory, who served on County Council for 12 years, said Jasper County has had a history of prejudice when it comes to electing government officials.

“For years, black people have voted for white people openly, but whites won’t do the same,” Gregory said. “We support white candidates but they will not do that for black candidates. It’s time to stop that. We are all equal.”

Gregory said it’s time to go beyond the past and create a fair system when electing candidates.

“We need to go beyond that for our children. We need to show our children that each race is fair,” Gregory said. “We are all equal and are all God’s children.”

Some who have commented on the post say the comments are racist, neglect the needs of other residents in Jasper County, and are offensive.

Sauls said he is disappointed in Gregory’s comments.

“I think it is a shame that type of mindset still exists,” Sauls said. “Especially by someone who is looked at by some as a public figure.”

Sauls said he hopes residents who have read and been offended by Gregory’s comments will be encouraged to move forward from a history of segregated thinking.

“In order for the county, state and nation to grow, this mindset needs to be forgotten,” Sauls said.

Allison Pace said she lives near Gregory and is appalled by his post.

“I’ve been his neighbor for 38 years, never has he spoken to me, waved at me, or said hello,” Pace said. “His father was a wonderful man. I think he would be embarrassed and upset by this.”

Clark said she had not read the post and declined comment.

Gregory, a Jasper County School District employee, was recently found not guilty of third-degree assault and battery of a middle school student.

The school district said it is aware of Gregory’s post, but declined comment.

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